Virginia Wesleyan started their NCAA title defense with a win and so did #11 ranked CNU in the opening round of the 2018 Division III NCAA softball playoffs. CNU is playing host to the playoff games in this region this weekend.
The Marlins beat Gettysburg 9-3 in their first game of the playoffs. Cassetty Howerin got the ball rolling with a bases clearing double in the third inning and there was no letting up after that. Katelyn Biando and Amy Large both had 2 hits and 2 RBI's.
Hanna Hull, the 2017 National Player of the Year in Division III got the win and improved her pitching record to 31-2.
The Captains took care of business against Messiah 13-3. It was a team effort, but Patty Maye Ohanion has a special day on her own. She hit two homers. The second was a grand slam in the fifth inning which ended the game thanks to the mercy rule.
CNU and Virginia Wesleyan will meet Saturday at 1 at CNU. They are the top 2 seeds in this bracket. If all goes according to form they will meet again on Sunday with the survivor advancing to the next round.